Down 0-16 0-9 Tyrone

Down's Paul Murphy is challenged by Tyrone's Michael McGee

Holders Down hit nine unanswered points in the second half to beat jetlagged Tyrone in Sunday's Gaelic Life Dr McKenna Cup clash at Newry.

The sides were level at 0-6 apiece at the break but after moving 0-8 to 0-7 ahead, Tyrone folded as Down reeled off the decisive scores.

Michael Magee hit four Down points with John Fegan, Danny Hughes, Hugh Davey and Benny Coulter also adding scorers.

Stephen O'Neill top-scored for Tyrone with seven points.

Three of O'Neill's points came in the opening half with Tommy McGuigan and Gareth Devlin also on target for the Red Hands.

The 3,750 spectators were treated to some tight exchanges early on as Hugh Davey hit two Down points while Magee and impressive midfielder Joseph Ireland also contributed scores.

Sean Cavanagh started at centre half-back for Tyrone while the starting line-up also included regulars John Devine, Davy Harte and Kevin Hughes.

Ronan Sexton had a goal chance for the Mourne men before the break but the ball was deflected wide for a 45.

Tyrone's Tommy McGuigan didn't reappear for the second half but the Red Hands started brightly with points from O'Neill and Cavanagh helping them move 0-8 to 0-7 ahead.

At that stage, Peter Donnelly and Cavanagh were doing well in the middle third of field but all of a sudden, the Tyrone tank seemed empty as Down took complete control.

Magee, John Fegan (0-3), sub Coulter (0-2) and John Boyle were all among the scorers as Down struck their nine unanswered points.

Davey and Conor Garvey were impressing in the Down defence while Ireland, Magee and Fegan were all causing their markers major problems.

O'Neill had the final scoring say in injury-time as Tyrone ended a 25-minute scoring drought.

The victory moves Down on to four points in Section B and a draw in their final game against Monaghan will be enough to guarantee a semi-final place.